As dead as a doornail Shakespeare Speaks

Learn a new English phrase while actor Thomas Swann fixes a broken door and gives William Shakespeare a great idea. For activities and extra materials connected to this episode: Shakespeare Speaks is a coproduction between BBC Learning English and The Open University. TRANSCRIPT Narrator It was a cold morning. William Shakespeare is in the theatre, working on Henry VI part II, whilst his actor friend Thomas Swann is mending a broken door. Will Thomas Can you stop that banging I m trying to write here Thomas Will, this door needs fixing properly. I have to hit this doornail hard there. That will never come out. Will What s that about a doornail Hmmm you ve just given me an idea dead as a doornail dead as a doornail Thomas Who s dead Will Will Thomas, I have the perfect line for your character Jack Cade, the rebel leader, strong and proud. But in this scene, he s on the run, hiding from his enemies. He hasn t eaten anything for five days, except he